The Nikka  Nine Decades Whisky 90th Anniversary Release

Japanese whisky distillery Nikka has been gearing up for its 90th anniversary with a series of promotional activities. Among these is the notable Discovery Series, a set of five bottles designed to highlight the distinctive characteristics of Nikka’s whisky and its distilling expertise.

The Discovery Series has showcased the significance of peat and yeast in Nikka’s whisky production, along with the remarkable strength of their grain distilling capabilities. After three years of anticipation, 2024 has arrived, marking Nikka’s 90th anniversary. To crown the celebration, Nikka is preparing to release another special bottle: The Nikka Nine Decades.

The Nikka Nine Decades Whisky
The Nikka Nine Decades Whisky
The celebratory Nikka Nine Decades blend is crafted from over 50 different components, including single malts distilled as far back as the 1940s at Yoichi and some of the earliest whiskies from Miyagikyo in the 1970s. Together, these elements represent the full span of Nikka’s nine decades of distilling history.

The Nikka  Nine Decades Whisky Blend

The final blend of Nikka Nine Decades comes in at 96 Proof (48% ABV). It boasts a mahogany hue and overflows with a bouquet of spice rack aromatics, including nutmeg, clove, and tarragon. On the palate, it strikes a beautiful balance between herbal tea and tart fruit, with mocha notes surfacing through the finish. Nikka aims to celebrate its nine-decade history with this release, incorporating whiskies from the Ben Nevis Distillery in Scotland, which it also owns. This addition provides a comprehensive representation of Nikka’s journey, presenting the blend as a World Blended Whisky rather than solely a Japanese Blended Whisky. A total of 4,000 bottles will be released, with a suggested retail price of ¥330,000 in Japan (approximately US$2,118).

Official Tasting Notes The Nikka  Nine Decades Whisky Blend

  • Aroma: Rich apple pie and raisin sweetness, complemented by toasty barrel-aging notes, lead into a gentle smokiness and the nostalgic scent of antique furniture. The complex and layered aromas evoke the feeling of standing in the warehouse where the whisky has peacefully aged.
  • Taste: Mellow oak with profound depth provides a foundation, structuring the spicy cinnamon, roasted nuts, and rich dark chocolate aromas. Subtle peat bitterness is balanced by sweet apricot jam and maple syrup, creating an overall warmth reminiscent of sitting by a fireplace.
  • Finish: Gentle peat is enveloped by the full body, with sweet and sour notes introducing a pleasant bitterness on a very long finish.
  • Nikka’s history is long and storied, starting with its founder Masataka Taketsuru, the first Japanese person to travel to Scotland to learn the art of whisky making. He brought this expertise back to Japan, kick-starting Japan’s whisky industry. Since then, Nikka has produced some of the most legendary whiskies, beloved by enthusiasts worldwide.For the complete story of Nikka Whisky’s rich history, read the magazine on Wannawhisky.
Do you find the history of Nikka Distillery interesting? Are you a fan of Nikka whisky?  Check out the history of The Nikka Whisky here 👉 The Nikka Whisky History

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